BENFEI
BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter
Bottom line: The BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter ($9.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 16:14 UTC): Full 6-foot run reaches a tower's rear ports without a USB extension; main trade-off: PL-2303 clones are widely counterfeited, so driver conflicts are a known risk.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Full 6-foot run reaches a tower's rear ports without a USB extension
- ✓ Prolific PL-2303 chipset covers Windows 98 through 11, macOS 8+, Linux 2.4.0+
- ✓ Triple shielding plus 24/28 AWG tinned copper for stable 1Mbps transfers
- ✓ USB bus-powered, so no wall adapter or free outlet needed
- ✓ 18-month unconditional BENFEI warranty, longer than the typical 12
Cons
- ✗ PL-2303 clones are widely counterfeited, so driver conflicts are a known risk
- ✗ Requires a one-time manual driver install, not fully driverless
- ✗ Male DB9 only, so device-side male ports need a separate gender changer
- ✗ 1Mbps ceiling limits it for high-speed industrial serial work
Manufacturer description
The BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter solves a problem every retro PC builder eventually hits: the serial port vanished from modern motherboards, but the hardware that depends on it didn't. This 6-foot cable terminates in a standard male 9-pin DB9 RS-232 connector, so you can reach vintage terminals, ISDN terminal adapters, serial modems, barcode scanners, label writers, PDAs, and palm-era handhelds from any USB Type-A port. The Prolific PL-2303 chipset handles driver support across Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, XP, Vista, 2000 and 98, macOS 8 and above, and Linux 2.4.0 and later, which is a wider…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cables & connectors category. BENFEI's cables & connectors lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for cables & connectors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work with Windows 11?
Yes. BENFEI lists Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP, Vista, 2000 and 98 support, plus macOS 8 and above and Linux 2.4.0 and later, via the Prolific PL-2303 chipset. Expect a one-time driver install on first connection.
Is this a USB to VGA adapter?
No. This is a USB to DB9 RS-232 serial cable. It cannot mirror video or audio to an external monitor. DB9 has 9 pins; VGA uses a 15-pin DB15 connector, which this adapter does not provide.
How long is the cable?
6 feet. That is long enough to run from a front or rear USB port to a serial device sitting beside or below the machine without adding an extension cable.
What kind of devices can I connect to it?
BENFEI lists DB9-equipped serial modems, ISDN terminal adapters, digital cameras, label writers, palm PCs, barcode scanners and PDAs. Any device with a female DB9 RS-232 port is the target, since this cable's serial end is male.
Does it come with a warranty?
BENFEI includes an 18-month unconditional warranty with customer service support. Check the product listing for current terms and how to start a claim.
Key Features
- HOW IT WORKS: BENFEI USB to RS232 DB9 Male Serial Adapter is designed for connecting to serial devices such as DB9 equipped serial modems, ISDN Terminal Adapters, digital cameras, label writers, palm PCs, barcode scanners, PDAs etc through USB port with 1Mbps data transfer rate;
- CONNECTORS: With standard USB Type A Male to standard Male 9-pin DB9 RS-232 serial connector; Pay attention, it's not the USB to VGA(DB15) solution, unable to mirror video/audio to external montor. It's the USB to DB9 solution.
- CONDUCTOR & SHIELDING: Tinned Copper Conductor(Wire guage#24#28) and triple shielding ensure the best data transfer rate. Powered by USB port, no external power adapter required. Simple installation, plug & play after one time driver installation;
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: USB to RS232 adapter is with Prolific PL-2303 Chipset for widest possible compatibility with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, XP, Vista, 2000, 98, MacOS8 or higher, Linux 2.4.0 and later, and other platforms.
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY: Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely
Full Specifications
| Brand | BENFEI |
|---|---|
| Color | black |
| Finish | Copper |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | 000302 |
| Compatibility | Mac, Linux |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Connector Type | USB DB/RS232 |
| Item Dimensions | 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches |
| Mfr Part Number | 000302black |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Ports | 1 |
| Power Plug Type | No Plug |
| Compatible Devices | Cameras |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches |
| Full listing title | BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter,6 Feet USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable, Prolific Chipset, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above（Not VGA） |
Ready to buy?
BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter,6 Feet USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable, Prolific Chipset, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above（Not VGA） is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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